In 1997, agriculture accounted for 57.9% of Congo’s GDP, and 66% of Congo’s working population were employed in agriculture. One of the most important exports was coffee. Since 2017, Rutasoka has been working with a coffee cooperative in Congo, with almost 4,000 affiliated coffee producers in the eastern parts of the country. Rutasoka offers high-quality, flavorful and sustainable coffee, and together with you, we help Congolese producers increase their productivity and income, and create a future through sustainable agriculture.
Rutasoka's approach is based on fair trade practices. We believe that fair compensation for farmers is essential. Through this partnership, we work hand in hand with Congolese coffee producers, not only to produce high-quality, flavorful and sustainable coffee, but also to improve their farms and increase their incomes.
As we enjoy our daily coffee, let’s take a moment to look into the lives of the unsung heroes behind the beans – the coffee farmers of Congo. Being a coffee farmer in Congo is a life of hope, passion and challenge. It is a legacy that passes down through generations, a journey of community and togetherness. These farmers stand side by side, supporting each other through thick and thin. Through the coffee cooperative, they exchange wisdom, preserve traditions, learn modern farming methods and build bonds that extend beyond the fields.
Between challenges and development, the lives of Congolese coffee producers offer a glimpse of what is possible. Their journey teaches us about human strength. For most producers, reaching international markets can be difficult due to a lack of infrastructure, limited access to information and high transport costs. Rutasoka provides access to markets, with information on exports, fair trade agreements and our distribution channels. It is not just about offering them a livelihood; it is about creating a sustainable path forward, where their hard work is fairly rewarded and their communities thrive.
So, next time you enjoy your coffee, let your thoughts wander to the coffee farmers of Congo. Their lives are an extraordinary story of hope and resilience, woven into every cup. It’s proof that even the simplest choices, like a cup of Rutasoka coffee, make a world of difference.
